IN THIS MONTH'S FAMILY MATTERS ...

“I want to wish a bittersweet farewell to Audrena, my fearless and amazing, phenomenal, boss. She has been an exceptional leader and a mentor to me. I want to congratulate Audrena on her 28 years of service and leadership.”

- Carrie Pullie, newly named Executive Director of our Calumet Center,
pays tribute to outgoing Executive Director Audrena Spence

Take a virtual tour of our new Headquarters!

We're pleased to share a look into our new Headquarters space at 101 N. Wacker Drive! Ric Estrada, CEO, and Bryan Johnson, Senior Director of Evaluation and Outcomes, speak to the office's centralized location and amenities, from virtually enabled meeting rooms to natural light, and most importantly, how our high-quality administrative headquarters will benefit the communities we serve across the greater Chicagoland area.

"This space will allow for most sites to be empowered; through our grants work, through our evaluation, through our strategy and direction," Bryan shares. 

 

METROPOLITAN IN THE MEDIA * Governor Pritzker Kicks Off ‘Illinois Works’ Pre-Apprenticeship Program Chicago Defender Metropolitan is one of the community organization grantees involved in a new investment in Governor Pritzker's "Illinois Works" workforce development program, designed to create a qualified talent pipeline in the construction trades while leveling the playing field for underrepresented populations, including women and people of color. * Anti-violence Advocates Pinpoint Issues to Reduce Violence Following Deadly 2021 with Nearly 800 People Killed Atlanta Black Star  Vaughn Bryant, Executive Director of Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, speaks to gun violence's roots in systemic disinvestment, and the holistic support provided by street outreach workers in order to break the cycles of poverty and violence.

 

 

Our Calumet staff held a farewell celebration for Audrena; watch their tribute here

Our Calumet Center has a new Executive Director: Farewell to Audrena Spence, and intrducing Carrie Pullie! After 28 years of dedicated, exceptional service and leadership to our Calumet Center, Audrena Spence is moving on from her position as Executive Director. Please join us in thanking Audrena, and appreciating her invaluable contributions to Metropolitan Family Services! Carrie Pullie steps into the role of Executive Director, bringing 20 years of experience at Metropolitan Calumet into her new position. LEARN MORE ABOUT CARRIE

 

We're inspired by our DuPage Early Learning staff and families!

The teachers and children in our DuPage Center’s St. Andrews Head Start location have been displaced for at least a month, due to extensive damage from a burst pipe. We've once again pivoted to virtual services – but our staff is working together to support the kids and their families! In addition to teaching remotely, our team is not only preparing food bags and activity kits, but also coordinating home drop-offs of the packages, as well as planning home visits and socialization events.

“I can’t tell you in words how proud I am of this remarkable group of teachers,” shares Darby Pool, Associate Director of Early Learning. “Nothing stops them!” 

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